Documents You Need to Bring to Your UK Driving Test

#The mandatory document

You must bring your UK photocard provisional driving licence. The examiner checks both the photo and the date of issue before the test starts. No licence, no test. There is no flexibility on this.

If you have lost your licence, order a replacement from gov.uk for £20 at least two weeks before the test. A digital photo or photocopy is not accepted.

#What about the paper counterpart?

The paper counterpart was abolished in June 2015 and is no longer required or accepted. Only the photocard matters.

#Theory test pass letter

Technically not required because the booking system already verifies your theory pass. In practice, bring it anyway: if there is any database glitch on the day, having the original letter avoids a wasted journey.

#Glasses or contact lenses

If you need them to read a number plate at 20 metres, bring them. The examiner does the eyesight check immediately outside the test centre, and failing it ends the test.

#What you do not need to bring

• Passport or any other photo ID (not accepted as a substitute for the licence)
• Booking confirmation email (the examiner has the booking on screen)
• Cash or card (the test fee is paid at booking, not on the day)
• L-plates if your instructor’s car already has them fitted

#If you forget your licence

The examiner will refuse to start the test. You lose the £62 (or £75 weekend) fee in full and must rebook from scratch. A friend rushing the licence to you within 10 minutes will not save the slot, examiners run to a strict schedule.

#Vehicle requirements

If you are using your own car rather than your instructor’s, the examiner will check it before the test. The car needs:

• Valid MOT (if over three years old)
• Valid insurance covering you for the test
• No warning lights on the dashboard
• L-plates front and rear
• A working extra rear-view mirror for the examiner
• Front passenger seatbelt and head restraint